Evening Standard
·17 December 2024
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·17 December 2024
Reds travel to south coast with eyes on final four
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admits Diogo Jota is a doubt for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Southampton.
The Portugal international returned from a muscle injury to have ruled him out since October during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Fulham, scoring a late equaliser at Anfield.
Jota had been expected to start for Wednesday’s game down on the south coast, although Slot has revealed the forward suffered a minor setback after playing against the Cottagers.
"Diogo would have been ideal to start tomorrow but after the game on Saturday he didn't feel completely fit, so let's see if he can train today, said the Dutchman.
“Hopefully, he can get some minutes but don't expect him to start."
Slot, who will be banned from the touchline after picking up his third yellow card of the season on Saturday, also confirmed defender Kostas Tsimikas is closing in on a comeback and could feature after a recent ankle injury.
Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate, however, remain injured and Andy Robertson is suspended.
“Kostas is coming close, he's going to train with us today for the first time,” he added.
“Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are still not training with us."
Federico Chiesa could play for Liverpool at Southampton
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool could also bring summer signing Federico Chiesa into the side for what would be only his fourth appearance for the club, albeit the Italian international is not expected to start.
"It's definitely a moment where he can get minutes,” revealed Slot.
“The amount of minutes is a question mark you cannot expect from him.
"If he has a good training session, he will make minutes. It's going to be a game where a lot of starters won't start."